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Meaning: A hidden advantage or resource held in reserve to be revealed when needed.
Language: Portuguese
Literally: ace in the sleeve
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The phrase pictures a card player secretly holding an ace in their sleeve to deploy as a surprise advantage at a crucial moment.
More idioms — Daily Life
- mandar bala — To pursue something with enthusiasm and vigor.
- encontro às cegas — A romantic meeting between two people who have never met before.
- ao fim e ao cabo — After everything is considered; ultimately; in the final analysis.
- sujo falando do mal lavado — Hypocritical criticism from someone guilty of the same fault being criticized.
- pôr os pontos nos is — To clarify a matter by spelling out details explicitly.
- hoe de vork in de steel zit — to understand the real situation or hidden mechanics of something.
More Portuguese idioms
- matar cachorro a grito — To be extremely poor or destitute.
- na ponta da língua — To have something in one's mind but be unable to recall or express it completely.
- fazer uma tempestade num copo de água — To make an excessive fuss over something trivial.
- dar um tiro no pé — To harm oneself through one's own actions; to undermine one's own interests.
- Engolir sapos — To put up with unpleasant things without complaining.
- Pagar o pato — To take the blame for something you didn't do.
From our untranslatable words
- Backpfeifengesicht — A face that is just begging to be slapped — someone so smug you can't help the urge.
- Tartle — That panicky pause when you go to introduce someone and realize you've forgotten their na…
- Tampo — Pulling back your warmth and affection when you've been hurt — going quiet and distant, h…